Autumn in Austria: Top Destinations for a Fall Trip (original) (raw)
Autumn is an excellent time to visit Austria. You can partake in jubilant harvest festivals, see an Almabtrieb cattle procession, drink Sturm (early wine) in cozy Heurigen (wine taverns), savor traditional Martinigansl (St. Martin of Tours goose), and enjoy popular destinations without the heavy crowds like Vienna and Innsbruck.
In early fall (mid/late September – Mid October) prioritize your time in the Austrian Alps. In late fall (late October – late November), skip the mountains in favor of Austria’s cities, river valleys, and wine regions.
If winter comes early, head east and book yourself a night or two in a thermal spa hotel like St. Martin’s Therme & Lodge, Linsberg Asia Hotel, Spa & Therme – Adults Only, or Rogner Bad Blumau, the thermal spa complex designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Learn more: Rogner Bad Blumau Hotel Review.
If your priority is seeing fall colors in Austria, plan a trip to Grosser Ahornboden in early-mid October to see the golden maple trees, head to Filzmoos and/or Ramsau am Dachstein in mid-late October to see amber larches, and visit the Wachau Valley in mid-late October to see the yellow vineyards.
- Austria Autumn Destinations Map
- 1. Wachau Valley, Lower Austria
- 2. Grosser Ahornboden, Tirol
- 3. Maria Alm, Salzburg
- 4. Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria
- 5. Filzmoos, Salzburg
- 6. South Styria, Styria
- 7. Vienna
- Fall Hiking and Travel in Europe
- Austria Trip Planning Essentials
- Fall colors peak from mid/late-October to early November.
- Traditional Almabtriebe (cattle drives) take place in early Fall (mid-late September) across the Austrian Alps.
- Hotel rates drop significantly in Fall.
- In November, the Austrian Mountains are usually covered in snow. If you visit Austria in November, head to the cities (Vienna, Graz, Salzburg), the Wachau River Valley, or South Styria.
- When there’s snow in the mountains, we recommend these Autumn walks: Bachlalm to Neustadtalm in Salzburg and Styria; Ötschergräben gorge walk near Maria Zell; Dürnstein to Krems in the Wachau; Stadtwanderweg 1 in Vienna.
- The Grossglockner High Alpine Road usually stays open until late October/early November, depending on snow conditions.
- The Schlegeis Alpine Road to Schlegeisspeicher reservoir, the starting point for the Olpererhütte hike, is open until late October, depending on snow conditions.
- Austrian Mountain huts (Hütten) typically close down for the season in late September. Some huts stay open until early October, depending on weather conditions.
Austria Autumn Destinations Map
1. Wachau Valley, Lower Austria
Spitz an der Donau
The Wachau is a picturesque stretch of the Danube River Valley between Krems and Melk in Lower Austria.
This wine-growing region is defined by terraced vineyards, riverside villages and rock castles and monasteries (e.g. Melk Abbey) enthroned on top of rolling hills.
The Wachau Valley attracts cyclists, walkers, baroque and medieval architecture enthusiasts, and of course wine lovers.
The most magical month to visit the Wachau is in October when the vine leaves turn yellow. As a result, the entire Wachau countryside looks like a vast sea of yellow.
What to Do in the Wachau Valley in Autumn
We love hiking in the Wachau Valley in fall, because the temperatures are mild and the fall colors are astonishing. We recommend the Vogelbergsteig in Dürnstein, the vineyard walk from Dürnstein to Krems, and the Seekopf and Hirschwand circuit trail.
And, the only way to properly end a hike in the Wachau is with a meal in a Heuriger (also spelled Heurigen) or Buschenschank. A Heuriger is a wine travern owned by local winemakers. Here, you can eat and drink local food and wine in an authentic setting. Traditional Heuriger only serve cold food (cheese and meat platters, etc…), but modern taverns serve warm food as well.
It’s also a dream to photograph the Wachau Valley in late mid-October. Our favorite photography spots are the Rotes Tor historic monument in Spitz, the Weissenkirchen bench along the Wachau World Heritage Trail, and the Aggstein Castle Ruins viewpoint.
Learn More: Wachau Valley: Hikes, Viewpoints and Hotels
How to Get to the Wachau Valley
The Wachau is only a 1-hour drive, or a short train ride away from Vienna
There are direct trains which connect Vienna (Wien Franz Josefs Bahnhof, Wien Spittelau or Wien Heiligenstadt) with Krems, the largest town in the Wachau.
You can also join a guided tour from Vienna:
Grape Grazing: Wachau Valley Winery Biking Tour
From Vienna: Dürnstein and Wachau Cruise
From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting
Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour
Where to Stay in the Wachau in Fall
Weissenkirchen in der Wachau
Midrange | Hotel Garni Weinquadrat is a very friendly B&B with 12 rooms set in the heart of Weißenkirchen, close to the Danube. This superb guesthouse offers a rich breakfast buffet featuring local and homemade products. Guests can rent bikes and e-bikes directly at the B&B and select wines from the 24-hour, self-service wine cellar (Kellerstüberl).
Midrange-Luxury | Hotel-Restaurant Kirchenwirt is a traditional hotel with an on-site restaurant in the center of Weißenkirchen. Widely praised for its comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast buffet, and courteous staff, Kirchenwirt is an ideal base for exploring the Wachau. Guests can also relax in the spa, housed in the nearby 16th century Winzerhaus, at a surcharge.
Look for accommodation in Weißenkirchen in der Wachau.
Spitz an der Donau
Midrange | Barock-Landhof Burghardt is a fine country house with rooms and apartments in the center of Spitz.
Midrange | The top-rated Appartements Adam-Mühle offers lovingly furnished apartments, 1.1 km (14 minute walk) from the village center of Spitz. Breakfast is available upon request.
Midrange | Gasthof Prankl is a guesthouse located on the Danube, close to the village center. Guests love the atmosphere, breakfast on the terrace (included in the room rate), and the on-site restaurant.
Look for accommodation in Spitz an der Donau.
2. Grosser Ahornboden, Tirol
Grosser Ahornboden (“Great Maple Floor”) is a wide grassy plain in the secluded Hinterrisstal (“Upper Riss Valley”) in Karwendel Nature Park in Tirol. The valley floor is covered in 2,300 sycamore maple trees – a declared natural monument – with many dating back six centuries.
Grosser Ahornboden is particularly gorgeous in Fall, when the maple leaves turn gold and shimmer in the late afternoon light. The fall foliage colors peak around mid-October, though the exact timing is impacted by weather, frost, and wind.
The beauty of the plain is magnified by the towering rock faces of the Karwendel mountains, which ring the valley. It’s as stunning as Logar Valley in Slovenia and Val Venegia in Italy.
At the head of the valley, you’ll find the Die Eng hotel and Engalm, an active alpine pasture in summer. Though the cattle are already home for the winter, you can enjoy lunch at the Die Eng Alpine Pasture Hut and purchase some local cheese, produced on-site, at the Eng shop.
What to See and Do in Grosser Ahornboden in Autumn
Grosser Ahornboden is the starting point for many hiking trails in Karwendel Nature Park.
Popular trails include the out-and-back hike to Falkenhütte mountain hut and the out-and-back hike to Lamsenjochhütte. These mountain refuges usually close down for the season in early October.
Gamsjoch Peak is one of the most rewarding summit hikes starting at Grosser Ahornboden. The summit affords spectacular views of the Hinterautal-Vomper Chain, the longest mountain chain in the Karwendel Mountains. Along the trail, it’s possible to spot chamois and ibex.
Tips for Visiting Ahornboden in Fall
Avoid weekends. It feels like the entire German population descends on Ahornboden on Autumn weekends to photograph the maple trees.
Stay at Die Eng Alpengasthof for at least two nights to get the most out of your visit.
How to Get to Grosser Ahornboden
Grosser Ahornboden is only accessible by a toll road from Vorderriss valley on the Bavarian side. The toll is 7 EUR. Bring cash.
We drove to Grosser Ahornboden from Lake Achensee (58 km, 1:30 hours). From Achenkirch, continue north to Germany. You’ll follow B307 and Risstal Landesstrasse to Grosser Ahornboden.
The Riss Valley road ends at Die Eng Hotel, where there’s a large free parking lot.
Visit Grosser Ahornboden on this 10-day Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps Road Trip.
Where to Stay in Grosser Ahornboden
Die Eng Alpengasthof & Alpencafé
Die Eng Alpengasthof is located at the end of the Risstal valley road, just steps away from the Eng Alpine Pasture. It’s open from early May until late October, depending on snow conditions. This is the only hotel at Grosser Ahornboden.
This mountain hotel is the best base for exploring Eng and the surrounding Karwendel mountains.
Recent hotel renovations have resulted in a series of deluxe double rooms (“Ahornzimmer”) and a new wellness area (2022).
The most compelling reason to stay here is for the location. While the food was satisfactory, it wasn’t excellent. The quality of service varied.
Despite some of the shortcomings, we would stay here again and again, because there’s no place in Austria as magical as Grosser Ahornboden.
Book your Stay at Die Eng Mountain Hotel.
3. Maria Alm, Salzburg
Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer (Maria Alm at the Rocky Sea) is a pretty town with a historic pilgrimage church in the Hochkönig holiday area in Salzburg.
The town’s backdrop is the Steinernes Meer mountain range, which is defined by its vast high-alpine karst plateau.
Things to Do in Maria Alm in Fall
In early Autumn, Maria Alm hosts an annual Harvest Festival (“Bauernherbstfest”), where visitors can listen to live music, eat local delicacies, buy local products (honey, cheese, smoked meat, herbal products) and see an Almabtrieb cattle drive.
This festival usually takes place from early September until mid-October. For the exact program and date of the Almabtrieb, reach out to the Maria Alm tourist office.
We recommend visiting Maria Alm in early Autumn (September – mid/late October), when the weather is stable and temperatures are mild.
During our fall visit, we hiked up to Riemannhaus, a mountain refuge on the Steinernes Meer plateau. More info: Salzburg Hiking Guide.
Wonderful hikes begin at the Erichhütte car park along the Hochkönigstrasse road, including Taghaube peak and the Mühlbach High Trail.
Insider Tip: Hike up to Hochkeil for sunrise.
Where to Stay in Maria Alm in Autumn
Hotel Eder
Hotel Eder is a family-run, 4-star hotel in the heart of Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer in the Hochkönig holiday region of Salzburg.
Situated on the village square and adjacent to the Maria Alm Pilgrimage Church, Hotel Eder serves as the favorite meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
This stylish hotel delights with its fresh and playful design choices, creative wellness spaces, and relaxed atmosphere.
We were impressed by the hotel restaurant and bar and the overall hospitality and attentiveness of the staff. You can book breakfast-only, or half board (recommended).
The indoor-outdoor pool, which runs parallel to the Pilgrimage Church, and the herbal moor relaxation zone are especially memorable.
Our Hotel Review: A Look Inside Hotel Eder
4. Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria
Ramsau am Dachstein is a municipality located on an elevated plateau in Styria between the Dachstein mountain range and the Enns Valley.
The center of Ramsau, known as “Ramsau Ort,” is a small village with a striking church and a few stores, eateries, and hotels. From the village, Ramsau sprawls out to the east and west.
Ramsau isn’t a classic “resort town.” You won’t find tons of shops, restaurants, and luxury hotels. What Ramsau lacks in tourist glamor, it makes up for in romantic scenery. The entire plateau is dotted with beautiful farmsteads, surrounded by alpine pastures.
Ramsau is situated at the foot of the southern Dachstein mountains. The slopes beneath the Dachstein rock face are strewn with larch trees. In mid-late October, these larch trees turn golden.
What to See & Do in Ramsau in Autumn
Walk along the maple-lined “Panoramaweg” to soak in the pastoral charm of Ramsau. This path cuts across pastures, farms, and forest on both sides of the “Hauptstrasse” (Main Road).
To take in the fall colors, hike the 5 Huts Trail, which strings together charming alpine pasture huts ringed by amber larches.
The Dachstein is also home to a number of gripping via ferrata climbs.
Where to Stay in Ramsau am Dachstein in Autumn
Budget | Pension Adlerhorst is a clean and comfortable B&B in Ramsau am Dachstein. Guests love the generous breakfast, quiet location, and friendly hosts. The Pension is only a 10-minute drive to Schladming, which is a resort town with lots of restaurants and shops. It’s also the gateway to the Schladminger Tauern mountain range, which is another fantastic place to hike, especially if you love mountain lakes.
Midrange | Hotel Sporthof Austria is a traditional Austrian mountain hotel, offering a plentiful breakfast, half board (breakfast and dinner) if desired, a wellness center (sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, and hot tub), a large garden, and sun terrace.
Luxury | Hotel Lindenhof is the finest hotel in Ramsau am Dachstein, boasting gorgeous alpine-modern rooms, a wonderful wellness center, Dachstein mountain views, and an on-site restaurant featuring Austrian and international cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s farm. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is included in the rate as well as the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card.
Look for accommodation in Ramsau am Dachstein.
5. Filzmoos, Salzburg
Filzmoos is a down-to-earth alpine town in the state of Salzburg, just a few kilometers west of Ramsau am Dachstein.
Set below the stunning Gosaukamm mountain range of the Dachstein, Filzmoos is an excellent base for a quiet hiking trip in autumn.
The surrounding hillsides are covered in larches, which turn vibrant shades of gold and amber in mid October.
During our fall trip to Filzmoos, we hiked to Rötelstein Peak, from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm and from Bachlalm to Neustattalm.
In late October, many restaurants close and don’t open back up until the winter season (early-mid December). That can make finding a place to eat difficult. The Filzmoos tourist office provides a list of huts, restaurants, and hotels that are open during shoulder-season.
Learn More: Filzmoos Hiking Guide
Where to Stay in Filzmoos
Midrange | Bauernhof Krahlehenhof is a traditional farm with double rooms, family rooms, and apartments. Set in an idyllic location, this lovely accommodation offers a wonderful breakfast, a welcoming and authentic atmosphere, and cozy interiors. We ate a delicious dinner here during our last visit to Filzmoos.
Midrange | Das Anja Alt Filzmoos offers rooms and apartments in the heart of Filzmoos. Stay here for the intimate setting, excellent location, and lovely rooms. Guests receive the Filzmoos Sommer Card.
Top Choice – Luxury | meiZeit Lodge is a tastefully-furnished boutique hotel in the town center of Filzmoos. Stay here for the generous breakfast buffet (included in rate) and relaxing wellness facilities (Finnish pine sauna, bio herbal sauna, infrared relaxation loungers, relaxation zone, and vital drink bar). This charming accommodation also serves a complimentary afternoon cake selection between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.
Luxury | Hotel Neubergerhof is located on a plateau in the Ski Amadé Ski Area, 6 km from the town center (10-minute drive). The room rate includes breakfast & dinner (half board). Stay here for the quiet surroundings, mountain surroundings, rich breakfast buffet and outstanding multi-course dinner, and friendly staff. Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool, family sauna, and adults-only wellness area (Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam bath, relaxation room).
Look for accommodation in Filzmoos.
6. South Styria, Styria
South Styria is a region in the Austrian State of Styria, bordering Slovenia. This is Austria’s culinary heartland, where food and wine reign supreme.
Come to South Styria when you want to crave delicious wine and food combined with romantic views of rolling vineyards.
South Styria is predominantly a white-wine-growing region. The most popular varietals are Sauvignon Blanc and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc).
The best time to visit South Styria is in Autumn, when temperatures are mild and winemakers are harvesting their grapes.
What to See & Do in South Styria in Autumn
Drive the South Styrian Wine Road
Drink early wine (Sturm) in local wine taverns (Buschenschenke)
Go wine tasting in South Styria.
For a wine-themed spa getaway, stay at Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel Südsteiermark.
Where to Stay in South Styria
Jaglhof by Domaines Kilger
We stayed in Jaglhof by Domaines Kilger in Gamlitz.
The vineyard views alone are reason enough to stay here. The hotel restaurant and outdoor terrace face west, delivering godly sunsets (when the weather cooperates). And, our room (#11) faced east, so we could see the sunrise from our balcony.
We were also impressed by the quality and comfort of our mattress and bedding. It’s pure luxury – the kind that makes you leap into bed and hug your comforter like it’s your best friend.
As guests, you can also request a private wine tasting of Domaines Kilger and Schiefer & Domaines Kilger wines.
Tip: The Jaglhof restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so if you want to experience the restaurant, you should time your stay accordingly.
Book your Stay at Jaglhof by Domaines Kilger.
7. Vienna
Without question, the best time to visit Vienna is in Fall.
Winter has its appeal, but it’s cold and dreary, even with the Christmas markets and lights. Spring is sunnier, but temperatures are still low and it rains a great deal. Summer is packed with tourists and it can be excruciatingly hot.
Autumn is the perfect season to visit Vienna, because temperatures are mild, the main tourist season is over, and the parks, vineyards, Ringstrasse boulevard, and Donaukanal (Danube Canal) are spectacularly colorful.
For the best fall foliage, walk the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace and Augarten.
We also recommend hiking the Vienna City Hiking Trail(Stadtwanderweg 1) from Nussdorf (tram D end station) to Kahlenberg mountain and down through the vineyards.
What to See & Do in Vienna in Autumn
Eat traditional Martinigansl mit Rotkraut & Knödel (traditional goose dish with red cabbage and dumplings) in November. We loved the Martinigansl at Zur Goldenen Kugel and Gmoakeller.
Grab a drink, or a bite to eat at the open-air Summer Stage along the Donaukanal, until end of September.
Watch a film at the Viennale International Film festival. Many of the fills are in English, or have English subtitles.
Watch an Opera at the Vienna State Opera. Here’s our guide to getting standing tickets.
In September, drink Sturm (fermented grape juice) at Vienna’s rustic wine taverns, which are called Heurigen.
In September and October, hike in the Vienna Mountains.
In November, shop locally at the Fesch´markt marketplace in the Ottakringer Brewery.
Learn more about Vienna:
- Vienna Hidden Gems
- Vienna Restaurants
- Traditional Coffee Houses in Vienna
- Vienna in December
- Vienna in January
Where to Stay in Vienna in Fall
Budget | Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner is a friendly accommodation near Vienna’s Westbahnhof train station. In addition to on-site bike rental and regular events such as barbecues and movie nights, the hostel offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers from all over the world.
Midrange | Hotel Schani Salon is an excellent hotel located on Mariahilfer Strasse, Vienna’s biggest shopping street, a few steps away from the Neubaugasse U-Bahn station (U3). We love this Vienna hotel, because of the bright, modern rooms, the friendly vibe, the communal lounge and bar, and the helpful staff. Breakfast is healthy and varied.
Luxury | Altstadt Vienna is a boutique 4-star hotel in the charming Spittelberg quarter, close to Art History Museum. This contemporary-art-filled hotel features uniquely designed interiors and a hidden rooftop terrace (open from March until October). A wonderful breakfast is served in the Red Salon daily. In the afternoon, complimentary tea and homemade cakes are served in front of the open fireplace.
Luxury | The Leo Grand is advantageously located in the inner district of Vienna, steps away from Peterskirche, Stephansdom, and the Graben. This top-rated hotel features luxurious rooms with romantic, pastel-colored furnishings and decor. Stay here for the unbeatable location, helpful personnel, and fairy tale vibes. Breakfast is available at an extra charge.
Luxury | The palatial Hotel Imperial harkens back to imperial times with its grand, antique-filled interiors and sumptuous rooms and suites (fit for royalty). This 5-star hotel is set on the Ringstrasse boulevard in the heart of Vienna, walking distance to the Vienna Opera House, the Kärntner Strasse shopping street, Karlskirche, and the Musikverein concert hall. This hotel features a cocktail bar in the historic Hallensalon, rooftop fitness center with a sauna, on-site restaurant (Opus) and café (Café Imperial). Breakfast available.
Look for accommodation in Vienna.
Fall Hiking and Travel in Europe
- September in the Dolomites, Italy
- October in the Dolomites, Italy
- October in Slovenia
- Autumn in Europe: Favorite Places to Visit
- November in Algarve
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Austria Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Austria Travel Guide and Austria blog archive to plan a unique and memorable trip to Austria.
When to Visit Austria
We recommend visiting Austria between June and October for hiking and between December and March for skiing and winter adventuring.
Summer Travel | Summer in Austria
Autumn Travel | Autumn in Austria
Winter Travel | Winter in Austria, Salzburg in December, Vienna in December, Vienna in January, Skiing in Schladming
Getting around Austria
Austria has an excellent public transit system. We’ve used it extensively to travel throughout the country. We highly recommend using transit if you’re visiting cities (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, etc…), and/or doing hut-to-hut hikes.
Some areas like Mayrhofen, Schladming and Lech am Arlberg have wonderful seasonal transit systems in place (e.g. summer hiking buses). However, if you’re not visiting during the high season, bus frequencies are significantly reduced and it’s far easier to get around with your own vehicle.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations across Austria, we recommend renting a car.
Use these road trip itineraries for trip planning inspiration:
Start in Vienna | 2 Week Austria Road Trip
Start in Salzburg, or Munich | 1 Week Austria Road Trip
Start in Munich | 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, don’t forget to purchase a vignette at/near the border.
Hiking in Austria
Where to Hike in Austria
Read Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations for an overview of where to hike in Austria, with tips on specific trails and where to stay. Also check out Best Day Hikes in Austria and these region-specific hiking guides:
Tyrol | Innsbruck Hikes, Lake Achensee Hikes
Salzburg | Salzburg Hikes, Filzmoos Hikes
Styria | Schladming Hikes
Vorarlberg | Vorarlberg Hikes, Lech am Arlberg Hikes
Lower Austria | Vienna Mountains Hikes
Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria
Austria is a premier hut-to-hut and long-distance hiking destination. The quality of the mountain huts are superb. We particularly love the high-alpine trails, which are called Höhenwege in German. We’ve summarized our favorite multi-day hikes in Trekking Austria. If you’re new to hut hiking, read this in-depth guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.
The hut to hut hiking season usually runs from late June until mid-September.
Austrian Hotels
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